Recombinant alpha-fetoprotein(Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)

This study aimed to preliminarily assess the effectiveness of a novel biomaterial, porcine acellular bladder matrix (PABM), in filling fistula tracts.

Anal fistula plugs (AFPs) made from biomaterials are designed to fill fistulas, promote tissue healing, and prevent anal sphincter damage caused by conventional surgeries.

This single‐center cross‐sectional study evaluated PABM‐AFP treatment for anal fistulas between May 2023 and May 2024. Twenty‐eight patients diagnosed with anal fistulas underwent PABM‐AFP filling, with follow‐up conducted for 6–12 months postoperatively.

The overall success rate was 89.3%, with an efficacy rate of 90.6% for all treated fistulas. Of the three patients who experienced treatment failure, two recovered after receiving thread‐ligating treatment, and the remaining patient who had Crohn's disease experienced partial healing. The mean healing time was 5 weeks, and the average follow‐up duration was 7 months. No adverse complications were reported.

PABM‐AFP is a promising, safe, and effective treatment option for anal fistulas. This study provides valuable preliminary data to support the clinical use of PABM‐AFP.

Ahiflower seed (AFS) and ahiflower press cake (AFP) are rich in n-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that can be beneficial for laying hens or deposited in their eggs. A total of 288 36-week-old white leghorn hens were allocated into eight treatments with six replicates of 6 birds/cage for 12 weeks. The treatments included the control (CON), CON + 10% flaxseed (10%FX), 1, 5, or 10% AFS, or 5, 10, or 15% AFP. Overall, 10%AFP increased BW compared to 1%AFS. Diets did not affect n-6/n-3, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy, and most of the egg quality parameters. In the egg yolk, stearidonic acid was increased (P<.0001) in 10%AFS (0.15mg/g) compared to CON (0.01mg/g), 10%FX (0.08mg/g), and all other treatment groups. The eicosapentaenoic acid was increased (P=0.0001) in 10%AFS (0.28mg/g) and 10%FX (0.29 mg/g) compared to CON (0.05mg/g). Compared to CON (1.49 mg/g) and other treatment groups, 10%FX (9.47mg/g) increased (P0.000) α-linolenic acid while docosahexaenoic acid was increased (P0.000) by 10%AFS (5.39mg/g) compared to CON (2.82mg/g). Hens fed 10%FX, 5% and 15%AFP had increased (P=0.0001) linoleic acid (34mg/g) compared to CON (26.6mg/g). In conclusion, 10%AFS increased n-3 FAs in egg yolk with no effect on egg quality, eggshell Ca and P levels, ATTD of energy, and n-6/n-3 ratio.